Benefactor

Origin

Latin. benefactor, French. benefac{e}re: see Benefit The word benefactor comes from Latin bene (good) and factor (maker).

• 15th Century

Definitions

• : one that confers a benefit; especially : one that makes a gift or bequest

Description

A benefactor is a person who gives some form of help to benefit a person, group or organization (the beneficiary), often gifting a monetary contribution in the form of an endowment to help a cause. Benefactors are humanitarian leaders and charitable patrons providing assistance in many forms, such as an alumnus from a university giving back to a college or an individual providing assistance to others.

See also

• Patron
• Endowment